Applied Practices of Mindfulness will explore and train students in mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and mental habits derived from contemporary research in positive psychology. The religious historical roots of yoga and meditation will also be examined as a way to understand current developments and practices. Every class is designed for students to engage in a succession of mindfulness practice training, seeking to enhance mental stability, self-awareness, compassion, and positive mental states. Students will be asked to commit to a regular practice of meditation as a way of discovering for themselves the human experience of awareness, presence, and self- compassion. The course will also take an in-depth and critical look into the research supporting mindfulness and other contemplative practices that support positive mental states and well-being.
Activities
- Students should be dressed and prepared to engage in regular seated meditation and movement based mindfulness practices.
- Through this course, students will complete and be certified in the .b (dot B) program through the Mindfulness in Schools Project.
- During the Yoga unit, there may be a nominal fee for advanced yoga training with professional yoga instructors certified to teach yoga to teenagers.
Students will learn:
- Practical knowledge and skills in mindfulness and meditation.
- A basic understanding of the origins of meditation and mindfulness practices.
- The origins of yoga in the Indian tradition as well as contemporary adaptations.
- The research and application of positive psychology and the applied practices that encourage positive mental health, awareness, and self-compassion.
Students will be expected to develop a regular meditation practice, reflection on that practice, and engage in the assigned readings, listen to and watch assigned media files, participate in discussions, and come to class ready to practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga. Assessments are generally student created videos demonstrating a strong understanding of the academic content as well as articulation of their progress and development in the applied practices taught.